It was a win, and a much needed and coveted one at that, but anyone who thinks that the problems are solved and that Celtic are anything like back on track is guilty of gross self-delusion. One could not have really argued if Aberdeen, who came back well after a shocking first half, had gone on to win that game over a Celtic midfield that seemed to lose heart after the defence conceded a totally predictable goal.
But as Kris Boyd said repeatedly “the important thing is to win football matches”, and Celtic did just that. We go into the International break still in the League title race. We wouldn’t have been if we had lost.
And yet, a draw would probably have been a fairer result in what was really a rather poor game of football with the traditional Pittodrie wind possibly playing its part. Celtic’s two goals were good, the thing in common being that it was “quality ball” in the box. If we can do that oftener, we can go places, but there were long periods in the game, particularly in the second half, when mediocrity ruled.
Turnbull has been going through a disappointing spell, but what a marvellous cross for the first goal, and what great game awareness by Kyogu to chest the ball home! Let’s have more of this, please. And I have always thought that Tom Rogic, who did very well for the second goal as did Adam Montgomery, is at his best when he comes on as a second half substitute and Jota did well to finish it off. Mum and Dad were at Pittodrie apparently and would have been happy with their son.
But the most encouraging sign was the way at the end that the players went across to greet the fans. There is no problem with the attitude of this squad. There are quite a few problems (some of them rather basic ones) in things like ball control, man-marking and leading away cross balls, and they really have to be worked on.
The International break does give us a chance to draw breath and think about things like that, especially for our non-International players. Hard work is now the order of the day.
Anthony Ralston, for example, continues to impress and depress in equal measure. He works as hard as anyone on the pitch, but he is so accident prone. He must keep practising the basics of defending, including the ungainly punt up the park if necessary. He is basically well worth persevering with.
But it is a collective thing. The team must work together. This is not the time to point fingers any more. We must stick together.
Aberdeen I was basically sorry for. They are not as bad as their League position would suggest, and it was nice to to see Scott Brown and Johnny Hayes again, but did you not take an instant dislike to that greetin-faced Calvin Ramsay?
Mr Madden had his moments, as he always does, but no-one could really blame him for anything, and Kris Boyd, although unable to resist the occasional sneer, actually now and again talked sense! Interesting to hear Charlie Mulgrew’s comment that it took him six months to settle down at Parkhead – and he is actually Celtic-daft!
It is not easy being a Celtic supporter sometimes (you writer spent the last six minutes in and out of the toilet!), but at least, they won, and to repeat yet again what Mr Boyd said, that is the important thing.
David Potter
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For the love of god don’t quote that clown.
BBC SCOTLAND
Why is that clown Milly Dodds, allowed to
co-commentate at the days game in Aberdeen?
Makes my skin crawl when I hear him trying to be neutral and objective. He tried to hide his disgust when the winner went in the day, Failed miserably. Consider when eventually BBC & RFC kiss and make up – will Chris Sutton or Neil Lennon for example be invited to sit in at a newco game? But thats BBC for ya…
hail hail
“Oftener” David ??
Charlie Mulgrew would be a good acquisition for Ange as a defensive coach .